Stowa: Anyone Dissapointed?

[Dagobah]

Considering purchasing a Stowa Marine Auto. Generally I've seen nothing but good reports on forums about the quality and customer service. My one concern though is that I can't see a Stowa in person until it arrives.

Currently I wear a Seiko diver. The quality between this and a friends Omega Speedmaster is quite obvious in person. In shots online, it's less apparent.

For those of you that have purchased Stowa's, or seen them in person, how'd they stack up? Are they as amazing of a deal as I've read?

 

[holymadness]

You are not a special flower. Do a search.

 

[Dagobah]

Originally Posted by holymadness

You are not a special flower. Do a search.

After lurking on and off for ~2 years with this in mind, I posted my question above. And yes, I've used the search as recently as last night. Still have not found any comparisons that answer my question. Not to say they're not out there (but maybe the search tool isn't that great).

 

[Master-Classter]

i'm curious about this one too. I've been thinking about the Antea versus the Nomos and can't decide if it's worth double+

 

[jamesbond]

I have one of the limited edition (hand wound) versions of the pilot watch and absolutely love it. Great quality for the price.

 

[Imperator]

I have the Marine Auto. and love it. The only thing that disappointed me was the stock band, which isn't that great. The watch looks much better on the saddle shell cordovan strap I replaced it with.

 

[Dagobah]

Originally Posted by Imperator

I have the Marine Auto. and love it. The only thing that disappointed me was the stock band, which isn't that great. The watch looks much better on the saddle shell cordovan strap I replaced it with.

In terms of quality and finish on the watch, what would you say it compares to?

 

[Akeem]

watches are a very subjective category. much of the discussion relies on looks/appeal. if you like the watch, then you get it. stowa has a cult following here and elsewhere because of the value it provides. if you compare it to other watches using eta/unitas movements, it is well priced. I started off with a stowa, but then my attention turned to more expensive watches and sold it.

 

[Keyboard Warrior]

Stay away from water.

 

[Trompe le Monde]

i was disappointed at the delivery time frame... lack of proactive communication from the stowa team (contrary to internet consensus).... the fact that the marine original markers are printed (vs applied), and that the blued hands rarely reflect blue

that said, the build quality is nice, the thick leather strap i think is very good, the movement is solid, and it is satisfactorily accurate.

i have 5 other watches around the same price range... do i think the stowa mo is worth the price? absolutely. would buy again

 

[Sander]

I had most models in hand recently and was quite disappointed. They just didn't feel good. Only big exception was the Flieger Original, but it's rather small for a Flieger.

 

[Dripp]

Certainly can be subjective, but I own both the Flieger Original and Marine Original and believe they are quite beautiful. I think the marine auto is a bit smaller than the MO but disappointment is not something I hear about the product very often. I also have a Seiko orange monster and in my opinion the difference in beauty of execution/perceived quality is significant. I'd venture to guess that you'd be quite happy with your purchase.

 

[raybert]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

i'm curious about this one too. I've been thinking about the Antea versus the Nomos and can't decide if it's worth double+

I have 3 Stowas (Antea KS, Antea 365 and Flieger) and 3 Nomos (Tangente, Club and Tetra). You get a lot of watch for your money with Stowa - quality and service is fantastic. I got the stowa first because it was more accessible and easier to buy direct from stowa. One thing you will learn is patience but it is worth the waiting time. There are quite a few reviews and feedback on both brand of watches at the Watchuseek forums. I know this doesn't help but I would continuing buying from both.

 

[retozimmermann]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

i'm curious about this one too. I've been thinking about the Antea versus the Nomos and can't decide if it's worth double+
Nomos has the more elegant design if you ask me. I've been contemplating the same choice in the past as well and as much as one wants to get good value for one's money I've always felt that in this case the less expensive model just doesn't quite deliver what the more expensive one does. But in all fairness: I haven't bought either of the two watches yet.

 

[gdl203]

As long as your expectations are not too high, you won't be disappointed.